Charles William Dewendt

Charles William DeWendt, of Olathe, KS, was born in Kansas City, MO on November 14, 1932, prematurely by 2 months and was only 4 ½ pounds (who would have guessed that this tiny baby would become the strong leader and patriarch that he did). His parents were Albert Conrad DeWendt and Juanita Veronica Anna (Jung) DeWendt. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood with his sister Elise (DeWendt) Hedstrom and graduated from Westport High School in 1951; after which, he entered the service of the United States Navy, serving four years during the Korean War. He trained as an Air Traffic Controller in the Navy and that became his lifelong profession.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he went to work at BMA (Business Men's Assurance Co.) where he met his bride-to-be, Ruth Mae (Evans) DeWendt. Their first date was July 9, 1956 and they were married November 23, 1957. Their blessed marriage was an example and inspiration to all who knew them. Many happy celebrations were held along the way, most recently on Feb. 14, 2020 when Travanse Senior Living (Now Anthology of Olathe, Retirement & Assisted Living) hosted and made a video to document the event, "The 2nd First Date", providing transportation for just Charles and Ruth to Winstead's on the Kansas City Plaza (where they had their first date) and where their children were waiting to share in the fun. Charles enjoyed a famous Winstead's chocolate shake that day surrounded by his beloved family (and much laughter!).

Surviving family members are his faithful wife, and children Yvonne (Tom) Graf, Adrian (Teri) DeWendt, Lisa (Rodney) Turner, and Andre' (Tracy) DeWendt. The grandchildren are: Shane Wenger, David Williams, Trevor Williams, Alyssa DeWendt, Jessica Turner, Jared DeWendt, Ryan DeWendt, and Grace DeWendt. Great grandchildren are: Zoe Wenger, Parker Wenger, and a great grandbaby due in December. Charles also enjoyed being an integral part of the Evans family and loved his many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family has received numerous thoughts and messages about how much Charles meant to each person with many commenting on his great hugs. We are all very grateful for each remembrance and are profoundly sad that there can be no large family gathering to celebrate his life due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you to each of you that have reached out to us. If you would like to honor Charles with a gift, the family would prefer a donation in lieu of flowers. Please send your gift to one of the following:

CROSSROADS HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
11150 Thompson Ave.
Lenexa, KS 66219

OR

SPRING HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Spring Hill, KS
112 E Nichols St.
Spring Hill, KS 66083

Charles DeWendt is an example of how you can live your life with faith, integrity, and love. He grew up in church and attended regularly throughout his life. He instilled the love of God in his family and others that crossed his path. If you knew Charles, you were sure to enjoy coffee and conversation with him. He was most certainly an optimist. He viewed life through the lens of a "glass half full" mentality. He found the positive in the things and helped foster that in others. His legacy continues through many who were close to him.

Services will be private to the family.